Rush Immunotherapy

Before I talk about my allergy shots, I want to answer a question about baby shampoo. There is an article here about why I add it to my sinuses rinses. Basically, it helps rinse away thick mucus and can inhibit the formation of pseudomonas biofilms.

So, last week I began my allergy shots with Rush Immunotherapy, which is just a fancy term for "getting the first three months of allergy shots out of the way at once." I got a total of nine shots over the course of about 2-1/2 hours. It was not bad at all. The first five shots barely hurt. Then next four (which was a stronger dose) felt like a bee sting, and my arms were itchy and got welts on them, but that was it. Totally worth it. Now I will start getting weekly shots for at least nine months.

One strange thing I noticed at the appointment was the result of my peak flow test. I have a peak flow meter at home, but I haven't really used it. At the allergist, they had my do a standard pulmonary function test, and my numbers were the same as they have been at CF clinic (100% +). But, then they had me do a peak flow measurement, and it was much lower than it should have been for someone my age and height, according to the nurse. I should have blown 488 L/min, and it was all I could do to get that thing up to 400 L/min. I asked the allergist about it, but he didn't have much of an answer other than, "The peak flow meters take practice." Well, I have since been "practicing" at home and I still can't do any better. I'm going to have to ask my CF doctor about this at my next appointment.

Here's to hoping the shots help with my CF symptoms!